FIFA World Cup (Russia)

[Fallen Angel]

Thought it would be time to start this thread.

Brazil's 23 man squad reveled bar any other injuries except for Dani Alves.

 

[LvtLeeTDK]

I always thought Tite is the strangest man when it comes to national team selection. Fabinho, Sandro, 2 of the best player of their position are left out everytime. Jemerson (Monaco's CB) has 0 cap. While the likes of Renato, Fagner are chosen everytime. Renato, who's playing in China, is even a starter.

Not a criticism, just stating my thought.

 

[DeadPresident]

The South American nations often have weird quirks when it comes to team selection. Brazil could definitely use Sandro and Fabinho, but overall their starting XI looks quite strong. I don't know if they have the squad to go the distance, but they can put a damn strong line up together that can go far if everyone stays fit.

Ederson, Fagner/Danilo, Marquinhos, Silva, Marcelo, Paulinho, Fernandinho, Coutinho, Neymar, G. Jesus, Costa is quite a cracking team.

 

[Wargod]

I always thought Tite is the strangest man when it comes to national team selection. Fabinho, Sandro, 2 of the best player of their position are left out everytime. Jemerson (Monaco's CB) has 0 cap. While the likes of Renato, Fagner are chosen everytime. Renato, who's playing in China, is even a starter.

Not a criticism, just stating my thought.

Overall it's a strong squad, but you're right. Fagner is in the Squad for 2 reasons: Tite was his coach not long ago, and he's a player of Corinthians that is one of the strongest teams in Brazil (Corinthians).

Renato also worked with Tite in the past, but it seens that he won't be a starter in WC18

Here in Brazil, the main controversy is the fact that Arthur and Luan from Gremio were left out of the squad.

Besides that, pundits are mostly pleased with the squad.

 

[Wargod]

The South American nations often have weird quirks when it comes to team selection. Brazil could definitely use Sandro and Fabinho, but overall their starting XI looks quite strong. I don't know if they have the squad to go the distance, but they can put a damn strong line up together that can go far if everyone stays fit.

Ederson, Fagner/Danilo, Marquinhos, Silva, Marcelo, Paulinho, Fernandinho, Coutinho, Neymar, G. Jesus, Costa is quite a cracking team.

It seens that the Stating XI will be: Alisson / Danilo / Miranda / Silva / Marcelo / Casemiro / Paulinho / Coutinho / Willian / Jesus / Neymar

 

[Iceman]

The bookies odds rate the teams in this order of likelihood of winning (top 10):

Brazil
Germany
Spain
France
Argentina
Belgium
England
Portugal
Uruguay
Croatia

 

[Donner]

I'll be in France during the first few round robin games. I hope I can find a German pub to watch Germany play.

Otherwise, the French will have to deal with me and they don't generally like Germans. Or anyone really.

 

[Kaleb]

23 will be announced next Monday

 

[Iceman]

When does the England squad get announced?

 

[LvtLeeTDK]

Who do you think will be the main wingers for France ?

I think Lemar will play LM and Mbappe RM. I much prefer Dembele but his lack of games this season may cause his chance to be a starter. Mbappe has played all season as a RW. Lemar didn't have a great season but he's still the smartest playmaker in France team.

Besides Lemar and Mbappe, I think Dembele and Coman are guaranteed. Martial and Thovin are on shakt ground.

Honestly, I believe Martial deserves a spot much more than Coman. I never get Déchamps's obsession with Coman and Giroud (Giroud is a great striker, but not good enough to be a starter for France, which he currently is)

 

[DeadPresident]

I'll be in France during the first few round robin games. I hope I can find a German pub to watch Germany play.

Otherwise, the French will have to deal with me and they don't generally like Germans. Or anyone really.

Saunter over to the border with Germany in the Alsatian region and you might find a German bar.

 

[ludovica]

I'll be in Italy during the Cup, it should be fun...

 

[Aximili86]

Otherwise, the French will have to deal with me and they don't generally like Germans.

To be fair...

 

[DeadPresident]

I'll be in Italy during the Cup, it should be fun...

So basically the same atmosphere as a wake

 

[Fallen Angel]

 

[Iceman]

International tournaments don’t feel quite right without Holland.

 

[Fallen Angel]

 

[Fallen Angel]

 

[Fallen Angel]

 

[AverageMan]

When does the England squad get announced?

I read that as these are preliminary squads, they don't have to be announced publicly - so Southgate isn't?

Hart is out by all accounts though.

 

[AverageMan]

Who has made the Spain squad?

 

[Iceman]

I read that as these are preliminary squads, they don't have to be announced publicly - so Southgate isn't?

Hart is out by all accounts though.

Oh right. Any idea when they have to submit final squads.

 

[AverageMan]

It seens that the Stating XI will be: Alisson / Danilo / Miranda / Silva / Marcelo / Casemiro / Paulinho / Coutinho / Willian / Jesus / Neymar

I was about to ask about Jorginho & why hasn't he been picked - only to realise he's Italian!!!

 

[AverageMan]

23 will be announced next Monday

The choice of strikers here is embarrassing!!

 

[Iceman]

The choice of strikers here is embarrassing!!

On paper they are a real threat but in practise Argentina seem to miss an edge at the top level and all those great players end up being less than the sum of their parts. Maybe it will be different this time. Time for Messi to make a real impact on a tournament.